between ghosts

4

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As the helicopter descended towards the base, Angel glanced at her injured arm, the pain throbbing in rhythm with her heartbeat.

Ghost noticed and turned slightly. Price whispered to him, "Take care of her when we land. After that, bring her to the meeting room. Got this, Simon?"

"Yes, sir," Ghost answered.

The moment they landed, the team sprang into action. Price was the first to disembark, followed by Soap and Gaz, their movements swift and practiced. Ghost remained close to Angel, his presence a mix of silent support and stern vigilance.

"Come on," Ghost said, his voice low but firm. "Let's get you to the infirmary."

Angel nodded, her exhaustion palpable. She winced as she stood, her legs feeling unsteady beneath her. Ghost's hand hovered near her back, ready to steady her if needed, though he refrained from making contact.

They walked through the bustling base, the chaos of the recent mission still echoing around them. Soldiers moved with purpose, some casting curious glances at Angel. Ghost led her through the maze of corridors with practiced ease until they reached the infirmary.

A nurse quickly approached, her expression a mix of concern and professionalism. "Let's get you patched up," she said, guiding Angel to a bed.

Ghost lingered nearby, his eyes never leaving Angel. As the nurse began tending to her wound, the sharp sting of antiseptic drew a hiss from Angel's lips. Ghost's gaze softened, though he remained silent.

"Does it hurt?" he said quietly.

"What do you think, British boy?" she said, staring at the ceiling.

"Never call me that again," he said, crossing his arms.

Angel turned her head slightly, looking at him with a mix of irritation and curiosity. "Why not? Too sensitive?"

Ghost's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "It's not about sensitivity. It's about respect."

She rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Respect? From me? That's rich."

"Believe it or not, respect goes both ways," he replied evenly.

The nurse finished bandaging Angel's arm and stepped back.

"She needs rest," she advised Ghost, her tone firm."The wound will take time to heal properly."

Ghost nodded in understanding. "I understand."

As the nurse left, Ghost pulled up a chair beside Angel's bed, settling in with an air of quiet determination. Angel raised an eyebrow at him, a faint smirk playing on her lips despite her exhaustion.

"Sticking around to babysit?" she teased.

"Just making sure you don't run off and do something reckless," he replied, his tone light but with a hint of truth.

Angel chuckled softly, wincing slightly at the movement. "Fair enough. But don't get too comfortable. I might surprise you."

Ghost's eyes met hers, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them. "I'm counting on it," he said softly.

I paused for a moment, studying his masked face before speaking again. "You know, back there... when you took down those three guys alone," i started, my tone changing to one of genuine admiration, "that was impressive. You've got quite the body for it."

Ghost glanced at me, his eyes unreadable behind the mask, but a hint of acknowledgment flickered in his gaze.

"It's what I'm trained for," he replied modestly,